Mualem Urges DPR to Increase Aceh's Special Autonomy Funds to 2.5 Percent
Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, alias Mualem, has urged the House of Representatives (DPR) to promptly approve revisions to the Aceh Government Law no later than August this year.
Mualem conveyed this during a meeting with a delegation from the DPR’s Legislation Body (Baleg) at the Anjong Mon Mata Building in the Governor’s Office Complex, on Thursday (16/4).
To the Baleg, Mualem also requested an increase in Aceh’s special autonomy funds (Otsus) to 2.5 percent.
“If possible before August, at least fully completed by June. At the latest by July,” he stated.
According to him, accelerating the revision of the Aceh Government Law is crucial to support post-disaster recovery while expediting regional development.
He said the scheme for revising the Aceh Government Law and extending the Otsus funds is essentially complete. However, an additional allocation of 2.5 percent is still needed for greater optimisation.
“The Baleg should ensure this (Aceh Government Law Revision) is resolved as we hope, at 2.5 percent (Otsus funds). Hopefully, this will help us with the rehabilitation from the recent disaster,” he explained.
On the same occasion, Baleg Chairman Bob Hasan assured that the revision would be completed this year, as there is already an agreement on extending Aceh’s Otsus funds.
Regarding the Otsus fund amount, Bob stated that his side has drafted the extension at a fixed 2.5 percent in line with the Aceh government’s request. However, this depends on the Aceh Governor discussing it with the President.
“We have drafted 2.5 percent. But it depends on the Governor,” he said.
“We hope it can be on time (for the Aceh Government Law Revision approval); the main point is it will definitely be this year,” he added.
On the other hand, Baleg has also agreed that Aceh’s Otsus funds will not be time-limited as long as it maintains special regional status.
“This is our proposal. Likewise, in the draft proposal, it is no longer for 20 years but as long as the special autonomy status remains,” he concluded.